RADOS, James Dimitri

Today, as we gather to celebrate the extraordinary life of James Rados, we are reminded of the profound impact he had on our community and the countless souls he uplifted through his personality and music. A true legend, James’s mastery of the piano, keyboards, and accordion filled our lives with joy and a sense of carefree abandon that made every gathering a celebration. His cheeky sense of humour and generous spirit brought laughter to all who knew him, as he welcomed us into the magical sounds of the Mediterranean, echoing the essence of the Greek Islands that flowed through his veins. Inspired by the music God Apollo, he was a bright star whose music reflected the beauty and warmth of his heart. Today, let us remember him not with sorrow, but with gratitude for his musical legacy and the laughter and love he shared with us.

His journey began in Piraeus, Greece, in 1936. Born to Katina and Petros Rados, Jimmy’s boyhood years were filled with peril and resilience under the harrowing German occupation. He and his beloved sister Gina narrowly escaped the famine in Athens, braving treacherous nighttime crossings of the Aegean Sea, dodging wartime dangers for the promise of Kythera’s fresh figs and delightful fragosica. At just 13 years old, he arrived in Australia, leaving behind a father that unbeknownst to them both, would never see each other again. He became the man of the house for his dear sister and mother. A role he took seriously. From his beginnings and poignant end in Kangaroo Point, to his triumphant returns to Greece, where he delighted in the carefree Mediterranean lifestyle and family heritage, Jimmy exemplified a life lived with passion and warmth. He was a lover of life, known for his larger-than-life generosity of spirit, his diplomacy and kindness, the legendary fun times he had with friends and his laughter that echoed in every gathering. His marriage to the love of his life, Mersina, in 1964, lit up his world, as did the births of his cherished children, Peter, Catherine and Ellena. He fathered us with oodles of love, gentleness and fierce protection. His kids could do no wrong. He, very diplomatically, would give any teacher a piece of his mind if ever his children were in any kind of trouble.  We thank him for adoring us. There was never an ounce of aggression or criticism – he was always mighty tall in character, as he was in stature. Up until his last breath, he’d say to Peter,  “Agori mou, Ye mou, and to his girls, “ Agapi mou, Latria mou, my darling girls”….. and our hearts would melt.

The family survived the devastation of Cyclone Tracy on Christmas Eve, 1974. When Darwin collapsed under the cyclonic winds, he fiercely protected his wife and children as their home caved in, by huddling together in his embrace and sheltering them from the lashes of rain and falling debris. Jimmy always had your back. He rebuilt his life after the cyclone with grit and determination. He taught us that true character shines brightest in moments of challenge.

Jimmy was the epitome of an enterprising spirit, never shying away from a gamble, new business venture or challenge. He embodied generosity, loyalty, and a love for Greek culture. Back in the day, he opened Alpha Driving School in Boundary St West End, and decades later, took immense pride in teaching his children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, how to drive, sharing countless funny tales… like the time his student, a very nervous old lady, was learning for the first time. With her teeth chattering uncontrollably, the lesson took an unexpected turn when her dentures flew out of the window just as they were approaching an intersection. In a panic, she leapt from the car, and when Jimmy tried to pull her back inside, he discovered that what he was gripping was … her wig!!! Amidst the chaos of the approaching cars, they crashed, leaving Jimmy utterly befuddled, wig in hand while the old lady continued her frantic search for her runaway dentures. It was a driving lesson neither of them would forget!

Jimmy claimed that you can evaluate a man’s true character when he’s had a few too many. This became the litmus test for all prospective partners joining the family. However, this approach was unfair; his long-time buddies from the kafeneio and fellow musicians can share hilarious tales of the trail of destruction Jimmy left behind by those who miscalculated their tolerance levels!! “Come on son, let’s have a drink”  , he’d say and raise his glass to the chorus of “ Stin iyia mas!!”  We have loved the stories of dipping kourabiethes into avgolemono soup at 3 in the morning and waking up the neighbourhood with loud, happy singing . We know he’s up there right now jamming with Elvis, Stelios Kazantzithis and Harry Belafonte, to name but a few. Imagine the fun….

James’  beloved music days, from the De Brazil Night Club of the 50s to the Taverna in Elizabeth St, The Greek Club, the famous Paniyiri ,  The Grecian on Racecourse Rd, to the Wine festivals at Kominos Winery in Stanthorpe – and everything in between – were places he’d shine his gift for entertaining. His musician friends/ amigos / “ fili”  / partners in crime…. had a  particularly significant place in his heart. It was more than just music, it was a genuine comraderie where everyone inspired each other, forged true friendships & deep respect that stood the test of time. They shared their craft, their belly laughs and their cheeky antics and made working in the band a joyful experience James treasured for all his life.

Jimmy truly made a splash in everyone’s lives, leaving behind a wealth of love and cherished memories that will forever resonate in our hearts. His 3 beautiful grandsons, Dean, James and Roman were an enormous source of love and pride to him. We love that we had a ‘Big James’ and a “Little James” in our family. He’d climb Mt Olympus with his wheelie walker and smack enemies with his ‘magoora” …. and fight Herculean battles for each of them if the need ever arose.  In true Papou Jimmy style, he’d envelope them in love, wise words, his terms of endearment, like “ Agori mou” , cheeky laughter, entertaining stories, Greek culture, tavli…..and music….. and ouzo shots which he fondly called “Bombas” ! Many happy days were had at the Kafenio with his grandsons, his nephew Simon, his brother-in-law Paul, also known as ‘Hollywood” for his handsome movie star looks,  and his legion of good friends.

His spirit left his body after a rich and full farewell from his devoted family, relatives, and friends. He was so appreciative of the love and care he received, and his family wish to acknowledge the fathomless support of his dear friends, from far and wide, his beloved Gina’s family, the Sakkases, and the Riadis and Politis families. He developed an especially close bond to Gina’s daughter, Tina, who became his security blanket over the years – he adored her and she clearly adored her Uncle Jimmy too. It was a triumphant joy that he was able to see Tina’s daughter, Regina, get married 3 months ago. A joyous day we’ll never forget.

Today, we remember a man who never hesitated to lend a hand. He’d literally give you his last dollar and the shirt off his back, he’d rescue friends in trouble,  he had a warm heart that welcomed everyone, and a spirit that will forever resonate in our lives. Let us celebrate him with the love, humour, and vibrant memories he gifted to us all.

 Kalo taxithi Baba mas, kali andamosi me tin adelfoula sou, Gina, tin mitera sou kai ton ayapimeno pateraki sou. Fandazome tin hara sou, tora pou ise elefteros. Panta stin kardia mas, panda me toso polli ayapi.